2012 Toyota Camry awarded five-star NHTSA crash rating
Toyota’s redesigned Camry achieved the top score in the US government’s crash tests for 2012, reflecting structural upgrades and a focus on occupant protection.
Toyota’s 2012 Camry saloon has secured a five-star overall safety rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), following the agency’s updated and more stringent crash test procedures. The result places the Camry among the highest-rated saloons in its class for occupant protection in the American market for the 2012 model year.
The NHTSA’s crash test regime, revised for 2011, includes a combination of frontal, side, and rollover assessments, with a composite score reflecting overall crashworthiness. The Camry’s reinforced body structure, incorporating high-strength steel, was cited by Toyota as a key factor in its performance. The five-star rating is awarded only to vehicles that demonstrate strong protection for both driver and passengers across all tested scenarios.
Structural changes and safety features
Toyota redesigned the Camry for 2012, focusing on improved crash energy management and occupant protection. The new body structure uses more high-strength steel than its predecessor, increasing rigidity and helping to direct crash forces away from the passenger cell. Standard safety equipment for the US market includes front, side, and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control.
Model range and powertrains
For 2012, the Camry was offered in the US with a choice of two engines. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder produced 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. A 3.5-litre V6, available on XLE and SE trims, delivered 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft, with official figures of 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. All versions used a six-speed automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
- L: entry-level specification with 2.5-litre engine
- LE: adds convenience features
- XLE: luxury-focused, V6 optional
- SE: sportier styling, V6 optional
Pricing for the 2012 Camry started at $21,995 in the US. The five-star crash rating applied across the range, regardless of engine or trim.
Context in the US market
The Camry’s strong safety showing is notable because the NHTSA’s updated protocols are designed to make top ratings harder to achieve than under the previous system. The Camry competes in a segment where safety scores are a key consideration for family buyers. Other models, such as the Chevrolet Sonic, also achieved five-star ratings in the same period. Toyota’s result supports the Camry’s position as a leading saloon in the US and aligns with the company’s stated focus on safety engineering.
Toyota began production of the 2012 Camry at its St Petersburg plant for the Russian market later in the model year. For more on the Camry’s global production rollout, see Toyota Begins Production of 2012 Camry in St Petersburg.
